“Independence Day: Resurgence” is a sequel to Will Smith’s 1996 hit sci-fi epic.

SHAWN

No Will Smith. End of story. This sequel never had a chance.

RUSS

Although the aliens have returned, Will Smith has not. Will made the right call. Director Roland Emmerich is known as the 'Master of Disaster' and the eye candy on display bears that out. But he's certainly not known as the 'Master of Storytelling.'

SHAWN

Funny thing. While not great. Not nearly as bad as you might think but with no Will Smith who cares.

RUSS

This muddled mess took five adults to write it, but it sounds like the work of a single 13-year-old. The action is mind-numbing and the dialogue is cornier than Kansas in August. But if all you're looking for is spectacle, grab your popcorn.

SHAWN

No Will Smith.

RUSS: 2 Popcorn Bags

SHAWN: 2 Popcorn Bags

2) ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS (PG)

Walt Disney Pictures

RUSS

"Alice Through the Looking Glass" has the familiar characters from the 2010 film with actors Johnny Depp and the other cast members reprising their roles. But Linda Wolverton's wacky time-travel screenplay has little to do with Lewis Carroll's classic story. Director James Bobin lets the tone get downright creepy at times. In fact, it could be pretty disturbing for young kids.

SHAWN

Huge misstep. Huge disappointment. Why?

RUSS

"Alice Through the Looking Glass" is pretty to look at, but is a sad reflection on Lewis Carroll.

SHAWN

Naw, Russ. Nothing pretty about this movie. At all...

RUSS: 2 Popcorn Bags

SHAWN: 2 Popcorn Bags

3) CAFE SOCIETY (PG-13)

Amazon Studios/Lionsgate

RUSS

“Café Society” is a glossy new Woody Allen’s flick set during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg star in this romantic comic drama that plows no new ground, but provides a pleasant look back through rose-colored glasses.

SHAWN

Is this a Woody Allen movie? Seriously. Who keeps financing his mundane projects?

RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags

SHAWN: 2 Popcorn Bags

4) OUR KIND OF TRAITOR (R)

Lionsgate

RUSS

Stellan Skarsgård plays a Russian mob accountant who attempts to defect in the John le Carré thriller, “Our Kind of Traitor.” Ewan McGregor and Naomie Harris play an innocent English couple that accidentally gets swept up in the intrigue. While smart and involving, it’s never quite as riveting as it should be.